We already mentioned the basic setup of a coolidor, but here are all the materials you will need for this project. First, you’ll obviously need a cooler that you can purchase from any sporting goods place, Wal-Mart, etc. If you are planning on storing a lot of cigars, you will need a bigger cooler. If your collection is rather small, you won’t need to go that big. Remember that you will want to keep your coolidor at least half-full, so don’t get one that exceeds your needs in terms of size. 150 quart models seem to be popular. Keep in mind where it will be stored as you look at different sizes. You should keep your coolidor in a cool room that’s out of the way. Basements and walk-in closets are both good spots. As for the quality of the cooler, try not to purchase the cheapest one around. You want it to have solid construction and to remain fully sealed when closed.

Beyond the cooler, you’ll need some good old plain bleach, as well as baking soda. Get a good hygrometer for your coolidor, and invest in some quality humidification beads. You can read more about these in our recent cigar FAQ on humidification beads. Last, but not least, you’ll need some cigars (the best part of all) and cedar boxes.

Clean and Deodorize the Cooler

The first step in building your coolerdor is to clean it and to remove its “new” smell. To do this, fill it up with water and then add a cup of bleach or two. Again, you want unscented bleach. Don’t use any of that fragrant fancy stuff, as the whole purpose here is to remove the smell. Close the lid and let the solution sit in the color overnight.

The next day, dump out the solution and rinse out the cooler with water. Leave it open and set it outside under the sun for the entire day. You still might have some odor after this, so take a half or whole box of baking soda, pour it into a bowl or container, and let it sit in the cooler overnight. Let it sit another night like this if there is still a bit of a smell. By now, it should be good to go.

Puff.com Daily Digest

Thank you for your interest in the Puff.com Daily Digest. Get notified of all new content on Puff.com in our free Daily Digest.
To subscribe, enter your email address below and click the subscribe button.

Email Address:

Email will come from "donotreply@caputomedia.com". Please whitelist this email address.